The people of Ibadan land has been thrown into a moment of grief following the announcement of the passage of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan Iand, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
The Kabiesi’s death was announced by the State Governor, Governor Oluseyi Makinde on Thursday, 14th March 2024, and to be buried on Friday, 25th March 2024 by 4pm according to the family.
The governor made this announcement in a statement on Thursday night, stating that Olubadan Balogun, joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Governor Makinde described Oba Dr. Balogun as an epitome of royal excellence and a great achiever, who made great marks on Ibadanland in just a little over two years of his reign.
He expressed his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased monarch.
He said: “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Dr. Balogun has joined the ancestors.
“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.
“On behalf of the Government and good People of Oyo State, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Dr. Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland.
“It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”
Monday 11th March, 2024, the Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola paid an unscheduled visit to the Federal Honourable representing Ibadan South West/North West, Hon. Stanley Olajide OdidiOmo in his palatial house along Ring Road, Ibadan.
The Chairman was accompanied by Ambassador Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal, member BoT CCII and Chairman, Culture and Historical Tours Sub-committee of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee.
The Federal Honourable in his trademark character promised to sponsor the Education activities of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival. In recognition of his continuous meaningful capacity building and empowerment to members of his constituencies and beyond, the Chairman conveyed the message from the President General Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole of a proposed award on Hon. Stanley Olajide OdidiOmo. This received admiration from the federal honourable with a promise to continue to support the CCII in all her activities and serve his people and humanity with utmost fear of God. Hon. Stanley Olajide commended the State Government for mobilising the local governments in Ibadanland into completion of the Olubadan Palace which is said to be fully completed.
Image: Standing from Left, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola, Hon. Stanley Olajide OdidiOmo, Ambassador Idowu Olaide Lawal GAIC and Hon.. Tajudeen Adigun (ATU) Chairman IBADAN WEST LCDA.
Ambassador Idowu Olaide Lawal GAIC offered prayers for Ibadanland, the Olubadan of Ibadanland , the state governor Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE DSC GSSRS, the host, Hon. Stanley Olajide OdidiOmo , as well as all the local government Chairmen in Ibadanland
The Oyo State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, on Tuesday, 5th March 2024 has expressed their willingness to be the lead paper presenter during the youth day, as part of the activities of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week.
The 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee team led by Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal who represented the Chairman Balogun Gaphar Ojetola who was on another assignment outside the city, paid a courtesy visit to the Onireke office of the NDLEA office.
The planning committee team were received by the State Commander, Cdr Olayinka Carlton Joe-Fadile and other Directors.
During his welcome speech, Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal GAIC delivered the good will message on behalf of the Chairman of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, and explained in details other activities making up the Cultural Festival.
In his presentation, the Director of Program for the Youth Day, Comr. Gbadamosi Ishola informed the gathering of the desire of the youth day committee to have the NDLEA as their Guest Lecturer as the topic for the youth day is on hard drugs, uses, causes and practical solution, and equally informed them that the program will also feature panel session where other community stakeholders will be discussing their efforts in curbing the menace of hard drugs.
In his response, the State Commander, Cdr Olayinka Carlton Joe-Fadile appreciated the visiting team for the visit, and expressed their desire to work in partnership with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes to have a drug free society. He also assured the visiting team of the attendance and participation of the NDLEA as usual in all the Ibadan Cultural Festival activities.
Finally, Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal GAIC was decorated as an Ambassador of NDLEA on War Against Drug Abuse, WADA.
Others in attendance from the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee were Mrs Oluwakemi, Mr Gbadamosi Ishola, Mr Yekeen Jalaruru, Mr Olugbade Bukunmi and Mr Ajani ‘Kayode.
The moving train of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee berthed at the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola at the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan on Monday 26th February, 2024.
The visiting team were received by the amiable Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, Mr. Joel Ajagbe the Permanent Secretary, Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs Mary Olajiire, Director of Local Government Matters, Mr. O. T. Akanji , Mr. Odesina and the PEO, Mr. K. K. Ishola.
The Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee eulogised the Honourable Commissioner for mobilising all the Ibadanland local government Chairmen in supporting the new Olubadan Palace project which is almost completed in a space of six months. He emphasised in his address that Ibadanland will forever remain grateful to the Honourable Commissioner for this laudable intervention. Furthermore, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola highlighted the programs of events of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival activities and solicited the support of all the Ibadanland local governments through the intervention of the Honourable Commissioner. Particular areas of interest and expected support are on the Ibadan local governments parades from Mapo Hall to the Olubadan Palace , Amala Festival and Indigenous musicians Carnival, interlock governments Education and Sporting competitions, Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Pageant, Stage Play on Balogun Ajayi Osungbekun, Business Luncheon where both formal and informal business sectors will play active roles and finally at the grand finale at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Oke-Ado where her excellency, the wife of the governor will receive a befitting award.
The Chairman also used the opportunity to inform the Honourable Commissioner of an appropriate award to be conferred on the Honourable Commissioner during the week-long Ibadan Cultural Festival activities. By extension, the honourable Commissioner was to nominate two of his members of staff for appropriate awards in recognition of their hardwork and dedication to work.
In his response, the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola appreciated the Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola for his detailed and well presented message to the Commission. The Commissioner also reiterated the commitment and support of the State Governor, His Excellency, Engineer Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE DSC GSSRS to this year Ibadan Cultural Festival celebration. In the same regard, the Honourable Commissioner promised and assured the Chairman and his visiting team of the fullest support of his office and personality in ensuring a more successful cultural festival in history. The visiting Ibadan Cultural Festival registered their appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner through Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal, a member of CCII Board of Trustees and Chairman Culture and Historical Tours while prayer was said by Dr. Mrs. Monsurat Ayo Alaga, Vice Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee. Other members of the visiting team were Alhaja Folashade Olayiwola, Social Secretary CCII, Mr Kola Olomide, PRO CCII, Engineer Musa Akere Secretary of the Committee, Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde, Chairman Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Pageant Sub-committee, Chief Olaide Tijani Baale Oniyefun and member Venue and Security Team, and Bola Sunshine, member Business Luncheon Team. In conclusion, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola presented the program of events of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival activities to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola.
Following the allegation of financial misappropriation and sale of Union bus on the outgoing National President of Federation of Ibadan Students’ Union, Aare Fakolade Anuoluwapo pka TIMFAK, some concerned members of the union have submitted a petition to that effect to the Office of the Commissioner for Police Oyo State.
According to a stamped copy obtained by our correspondence, the Concerned group submitted the petition through their lawyer and called on the Office of the Commissioner of Police to conduct an unbiased investigation into the allegation leveled against the President.
According to sources, Anuoluwapo Fakolade alongside two emeritus former Presidents sold the union bus without the knowledge of his executive council, parliament nor approved by the General Congress of the Union.
Attached to this post is a copy of the petition has obtained by our correspondence.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes under the leadership of Chief Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole through the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planing Committee under the chairmanship of Balogun Gaphar Ojetola on Sunday, 25th of February 2024 decorated Chief Mrs Alhaja Basirat Alao Arisekola as the Grand Ambassador of Ibadan Culture.
The ceremony which held at the Oluwo kekere villa of late Alhaji Arisekola Alao had in attendance family, friends and well wishers of the awardee.
Before his welcome address, the Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola offered prayers for the soul of the Late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States Alhaji AbdlAzeez Arisekola Alao citing numerous philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives of the Aare Arisekola Alao. He prayed that Allah would continue to increase His mercy on Arisekola Alao.
According to the Chairman, the decoration is part of the pre-activities of the Ibadan Week programs which is opened to sons and daughters of Ibadanland as well as Ibadan settlers who have contributed immensely to the development and progress of Ibadanland by any measure, hence the decision of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes CCII to confer the honour on Alhaja Bashirat Arisekola Alao.
Similarly, the President-General of CCII, Chief Barr. Adeniyi Ajewole also acknowledged the contributions of late Aare Arisekola in the development of Ibadan land and Nigeria at large.
In her response, Chief Mrs Basirat Alao Arisekola expressed her appreciation, and stated that the honor is for her late husband, Aare Abdulaziz Arisekola Alao, and appreciated the CCII for finding her worthy for such prestigious title. She also promised to mobilize her diaspora friends to support the cultural festival.
Presents at the ceremony were the son of the awardee; Hon. Umar-Faruk Arisekola; Mogaji Agbaje; Chief Babatunde Adebisi Oshingbade; Chief Mrs Kofo Aluko; Chief Mrs Fasoranti; Olori Tinuade Agbede( wife of Igbara oke King); Chief Kunle Abass; Mr Lakunle Lawal; Chief Mrs Adebayo; Alhaja Bola Ajunwon; Chief Mrs Ronke Alasaro and many others numerous to mention.
There are strong indications that the Birthday celebration of the founder of Joke babes soccer academy Mrs. Caroline Joke Matins Ojo will be celebrated glamorously with a special football competition among some selected schools in Ibadan.
Information made available to journalists indicated that the events which starts from February 27-29 2024 is aimed at celebrating the once in four years birthday of the renown phillantropist.
The knockout games according to the organisers will be played among Bishops Philips Academy, Iwo Road, Ibadan , Oyo State Comprehensive Model School and Liberty Academy, Ibadan.
Others includes Oluyoro Girls Grammar School, Oluyoro Oke Ofa Ibadan, TL Oyesina, Monatan, Ibadan, Urban Day Grammar School, Ibadan, St. Claire’s Girls High School, Ibadan and Good News International School, Ibadan.
Phillipian (Deaconess, Mrs) Caroline Joke Martins-Ojo aka IyawoJesu, believes in building a girl-child. This fuelled her energy in establishing and nurturing a female academy known as, Joke Babes Soccer Academy in July 15, 2021, and has since been waxing stronger.
Joke Babes Soccer Academy is an affiliate of Oyo State Football Association, an auspices of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The idea, which is to bring out the best in our secondary school girls, improve their psychomotor skills, will also discover and develop local talents and show them careers in football, making it part of the choices available to them at later stage of their lives.
“Aside from this Academy, IyawoJesu according to information made available gave priority to humanity, having so many other channels at which she makes life beautiful for others – to the glory of God, Mrs Caroline Joke Martins-Ojo is an angel sent by God to humanity”
In 2017, IyawoJesu Non-Interest Loan facility (INIL), was established, to cater for small scale business owners, who need to boost their businesses. They pay back in instalments, without interest.
Scholarship was also introduced at a later date to accommodate students from all levels (primary to tertiary).
IyawoJesu Food Bank (IFB), was launched on the 21st of March 2020, and fully funded by mummy IyawoJesu. IFB is a facility set up to provide food to the needy in the society to the glory of God.
Her kindness can not be overemphasized because it cuts across so many, without knowing most from Adam. There are people under “IyawoJesu Adopt A Granny Scheme” that we send money to every month for their upkeep. Her generosity is top notch.
As part of the activities of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival week is the Primary School Quiz & Spelling Bee Competition which commenced on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at the Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall.
The first round of the competition had in attendance representative of schools drawn from all 11 local government councils of Ibadanland.
The kick-off was witnessed by the President General, CCII (Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole) and the Chairman of the Festival Week (Balogun Gaphar Ojetola).
The students were accompanied by their teachers and local government representatives.
Other officials present at the programme were Educations Secretaries of LGs the Chairman of the Association of Head Teachers of Primary Schools, and other executive members.
At the end of the keenly contested competitions, the panel of moderators came up with the final results: Representatives of 5 local governments failed to proceed to the next round. The 6 first round winners include Ist: OLUYOLE LG 2nd: LAGELU LG 3rd: IBADAN SOUTH EAST LG 4th: IBADAN NORTH EAST LG 5th: EGBEDA LG 6th: IBADAN NORTH WEST
In similar event, the President-General of CCII under 15 Male Football Tournament commenced yesterday, Thursday 22nd 2024 at the Wesley College Field Elekuro Ibadan.
The kick-off ceremony was performed by the Chairman of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, and had in attendance members of the Sports Sub-Committee and other members of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival.
The Chairman of the Cultural Festival, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola appreciates the Sports Committee for putting this together and equally charged the contestants to exhibit the true spirit of sportsmanship that’s in Football.
Following the matches that have been played, the following are the result: Ibadan North qualified due to unscreened player used by Ona Ara LG. (2) Ibadan North East defeated Oluyole LG by 2 Goals to One (3) Ibadan South East defeated Ido Local Govt by One Goal to Nil. (4) Walkover against Ibadan North West Local Govt , Lagelu Local Govt qualified to Semi final
The official flag off of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival held on Monday 19th February 2024 at the Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo.
The flag off ceremony was colorful and had in attendance the representative of Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Ali Okunmade II, Including Alhaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Council of Ibadan Mogajis and the Ibadan Mogajis as well as Baale Folorunsho Bamitale Durojaye Ige, the Chairman of the Association of Ibadanland Baales and the Ibadan Baales were also in attendance.
Also in attendance were Chief Wole Akinwande, former President General CCII was the Chairman of the occasion while Chief Bayo Oyero, Emeritus President General CCII was the Special Guest of Honour.
Alhaja Adijat Adeoye, President , Oluyole Diamond Sisters’ Club UK was the Chairperson while Chief Mrs Simiat Adeleke Larodo was the Special Guest of Honour.
In his welcome address, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes specially appreciated the 2024 Central Planning Committee headed by Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, he expressed the delight of the CCII for the efforts the committee has been making and the progress they have made so far. He stated that the choice of Balogun Ojetola wasn’t a mistake, and he’s glad that he’s putting in his best to ensure that he deliver beyond expectation.
Furthermore, the President-General stated that one of the things that has never happened in the history of CCII& Ibadan Cultural Festival Week is to have a dedicated account for the festival, which this current committee has made possible by opening a separate account for the festival for proper accountability.
The President-General further appreciates other sponsors and partners of the Cultural Festival.
During his presentation, the Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week Balogun Gaphar Ojetola acknowledged the support of the State Governor, His Excellency Oluseyi Makinde and announced that in line with the tradition, The Governor has graciously approved April 14th to April 20th for the festival.
The program will commence on Sunday 14th April for a week long packaged activities with he grand finale on Saturday 20th April, 2024 at Liberty Statdium, and The Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Engineer Sir ‘Dotun Sanusi and Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland will be the Chairman at the Grand Finale on Saturday 20th April, 2024.
The Programme of events for the week are as follows: DAY 1 Sunday 14th April, 2024
Church Service at Cathedral of St. Peter’s Aremo and all the Churches in Ibadanland Visit to Olubadan of Ibadanland Talent Hunt Finals (Ibadan Got Talents) at Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House
DAY 2 Monday 15th April, 2024 All Local Governments Street parades from Map to the Olubadan Palace. Amala Festival and Indigenous Musician treat at New Olubadan Palace Pavillion.
DAY 3 Tuesday 16th April, 2024 S.mole U-18 Female Footbal Final at llaji Sports Arena Business Luncheon at the llaji Resorts. PG Inter Local Governments Football Competition Finals at llaji Sports Arena.
DAY 4 Wednesday 17th April, 2024 Ibadan All Youths Day Symposium Medical Outreach and Products Exhibition / Shop for free at Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House Fellowship Award at Civic Center, Idi-Ape. Table Tennis and Ayo Olopon.
DAY 5 Thursday 18th April, 2024 Finals of O.O Bello All Education Programmes at Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House. Ibadan Conference (JBC) at Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House. Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Pageant Finals at Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House.
DAY 6 Friday 19th April, 2024 Special Jumat Service at Central Mosque Oja’ba and all Central mosques in Ibadan. Stage Play (Balogun Osungbekun) at Department of Theater Arts, Ul ibadan. Golf Competition Finals at Ibadan Golf Club.
DAY 7 Saturday 20th April, 2024 Grand Finale: Parades of all Clubs, Cultural Display by the Warlords, Parades by Baales and Mogajis, Homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, The Executive Governor of Oyo State and the lyalode’s at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado Ibadan.
Finally, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola appreciates the President-General, Chief Barrister Niyi Ajewole for the opportunity given to the committee and assured Ibadan that the committee will give their best and more to the success of the festival with the support of all sons and daughters of Ibadan land.
Other important dignitaries at the occasion were, the representative of Baameko of Ibadanland Chief Saheed Oladele, President , Ibadan Progressive Union, IPU Alhaji Yinka Alli, Chairman BCOS, Mrs Dotun Olaitan and her BCOS management team, journalists from Nigerian Tribune, Agidigbo FM, IBR and iFlier FM. Others include the Presidents and Secretaries of all CCII affiliate clubs including the Association of Warlord families of Ibadanland. The occasion was made colourful by the presence of all the members of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee.
